Summary
In the quaint town of Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes, nestled in the heart of Vaucluse, a battle rages against an unseen enemy—the invasive Asian tiger mosquito. Armed with insecticides and a fierce determination, pest control specialists have launched their fourth anti-mosquito operation in merely two weeks, tirelessly working under the cloak of darkness to safeguard the community from the perils of dengue fever. As the clock strikes midnight, the hum of vehicles fills the air—brilliant flashes of light cutting through the shadows as they disperse clouds of insecticide, targeting the invisible adversaries that weigh heavily on residents’ minds. With the town marking a concerning milestone this summer, becoming the second-largest hotspot for dengue fever in France after reporting 17 confirmed cases, urgency envelops the streets. “We’re facing a true public health crisis,” declares Grégory Lambert, a medical entomologist with EID Méditerranée, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. His voice carries a blend of urgency and resolve, echoing the sentiment that this is not merely a choice but a vital solution for the community. They tread softly into backyards and gardens, where the mosquito’s covert larval nucleuses thrive—silently threatening those unsuspecting of their proximity. The nighttime operations are meticulously planned to protect the townsfolk from inhaling hazardous chemicals during daylight, a testament to their commitment to public safety. However, the threat is not without haunting testimonies; Jean-Pascal, a local man who contracted dengue without ever stepping beyond the borders of Gard, recalls his bout with the illness as a harrowing experience, stating, “I was very sick; I thought I wouldn’t survive.” His story serves as a chilling reminder of the stakes at hand. As the heroes of the night continue their fight against this relentless foe, the air hums with both hope and fear, stitching a narrative of resilience in the face of adversity.
Original Source: www.francetvinfo.fr
